Britishvolt to Provide Battery Solutions for the Australian Military

Australian firm Recharge Industries has acquired collapsed company Britishvolt and plans to use its Northumberland site to supply batteries to the Australian military. Recharge has been in negotiations with administrators EY to secure the use of the site near Blyth. The deal, which is said to be "close," would involve Recharge paying £2.5m to EY for outstanding fees and an additional £11m to property investor Katch, which has a financial claim to the site. Recharge aims to build batteries for military, heavy commercial, and stationary storage purposes at the manufacturing plant. Supporters believe the project can reduce dependence on China for critical battery production minerals and create jobs in the north east of England. However, there are doubts among members of Northumberland County Council regarding Recharge's ability to deliver on the project. The company does not foresee needing financial assistance from the UK government, unlike the previous owners who were seeking £100m in government grants.